Westminster School old scholar Darren Thomas, of Thomas Foods International, backs new ag facility

An elite Adelaide private school has unveiled a new multimillion dollar learning facility in partnership with one of its most famous alumnus.

Head of agriculture at Westminster School, Andy Malcolm, checks out the new aquaculture facility with students Georgia and Brad. Picture: Dean Martin

A multimillion investment at a private school in Adelaide’s west is aimed at inspiring a new generation of agriculturalists in South Australia.

Westminster School this weekend has unveiled it’s new $5.6 million “world-class agriculture learning facility”.

Called the Thomas Foods International Centre for Agriculture, it has received funding from its namesake, with the meat and seafood provider’s Darren Thomas an old scholar of the school.

The expansive development includes a working kitchen, processing and food tech areas, shearing facilities and laboratories to facilitate everything from agronomy, to wine lab experiments, microscopy, loss-on-ignition analytical chemistry and laparoscopic artificial insemination.

There is also an aquaculture facility – currently stocked with barramundi – and a hothouse, to allow for aquaponics at the independent coeducational day and boarding school in Marion.

An on-campus, shop front will sell school-grown produce.

Old scholar and Thomas Foods International group managing director Darren Thomas has partnered with Westminster to develop the impressive new learning facility. Picture: Tom Roschi Photography

Westminster head of agriculture Andy Malcolm said the new facilities would allow educators to build on the school’s long-established agricultural program, focused around its two hectare Sturt Grove Farm which has its own winery and paddocks for crop production and livestock.

He said it was important for students to understand opportunities in agriculture extended well beyond the school gate.

“From my perspective, world-class agriculture means reshaping the image of what agriculture actually means,” he said.

“Essentially, a lot of people think and believe that ‘agriculture equals farming’ … (it’s creating exposure) to the diverse range of industry sectors related to agriculture, from business, to technology, consultancy, science and research … the list goes on.

“We really want to make sure our students understand that agriculture is academic and knowledge-rich … (that) agriculture exists in the world more widely outside of farming, including the growth of future urban-based jobs within the industry.

“The expectation is (students) will be well-equipped whether that is out in the field, handling livestock or in the lab.

“Even with the shop, students can start to be a part of the marketing and accounting aspects … no agricultural enterprise is sustainable without good money handling.”

The school has several industry partners including a Border Leicester sheep stud, major winery and university grain research program.

Students at Westminster, pictured with teacher Andy Malcolm, are exposed to the different elements of agriculture. Picture: Dean Martin